civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice. Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this. Try to act like a civilized human being! a civilized way to spend the evening
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are plenty of Scots and Irish in Toronto, but the proceedings are somewhat more civilized, if not a bit Hollywood-twee, what with lapdogs decked out as Michael Keaton’s famous character. Guy Martin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 As America finally melts down under the New Founding Fathers’ murderous regime, our heroes must take refuge by escaping over the border to Mexico — to more civilized lands. Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2024 And is it supposed that the wandering savage has a stronger attachment to his home than the settled, civilized Christian? Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2024 There, Sofia is subjected to relentless amounts of torture, which makes the violence so far on The Penguin seem relatively civilized in comparison. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for civilized 

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near civilized

Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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